Fla. lawmaker wants 'Arizona-style' law

Arizona State Troopers check the identification of a protester during demonstrations over the signing of Arizona Senate Bill 1070, which gives authorities the right to check for citizenship of virtually anyone in front of the Arizona Capital Building in Phoenix, AZ April, 23,2010. The bill has caused a furor as both sides of the immigration issue have been vocal in either their support or their anger about racial profiling. UPI/Art Foxall | License Photo

MIAMI, May 28 (UPI) -- A top Florida lawmaker says he wants his state to follow Arizona's lead and adopt a law similar to that state's controversial illegal immigration measure.

Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, the state House's lead legislator on criminal justice issues, says he favors an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigrants, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Friday.

"I would absolutely, 100 percent, unequivocally support an Arizona law," said Snyder, a former police officer and chairman of the state's Criminal and Civil Justice Committee. "The state has its own sovereignty and we have a right to participate in federal efforts to stop illegal immigration. I'm not at all opposed to introducing that bill -- it's something I'm considering."

Florida has the nation's third-highest undocumented population behind California and Texas, the Sun Sentinel said. The Arizona law orders police to determine someone's status when there is a reasonable suspicion the person is an illegal alien.

The issue has gained ground in Florida, with Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott making it a centerpiece of his campaign.

In a recent television ad, Scott promises to bring the Arizona law to Florida, the Sun Sentinel reported.